AUBURN — Kamryn Pettway’s injury-plagued 2017 season will be his last in an Auburn uniform.

The fourth-year junior running back from Montgomery announced Wednesday evening in an Instagram message that he’ll forgo his final year of eligibility and declare to the NFL draft.

"It had always been my dream to play big time college football," Pettway wrote in a statement posted on Instagram. "After taking the time to think about the future and what's best for my family, it's now time for me to fulfill another dream in playing in the NFL. I'm humbled and excited for this opportunity for my family."

Pettway, who had been hampered all season with plantar fasciitis in his right foot that caused further injury to his entire right leg, finished fourth on the team with 305 rushing yards on 76 carries in just five games.

Pettway was suspended from the season opener against Georgia Southern for a violation of team rules, and various injuries never allowed him to get any momentum to a season where he was supposed to be the power complement to Kerryon Johnson’s speed at tailback.

Pettway’s decision means Auburn will have a new starter at tailback in the 2018 season opener on Sept. 1 against Washington in Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

Sophomore Kam Martin was second on the team this year with 453 yards on 74 carries and two touchdowns in a reserve role. But the former Baylor signee will be asked to compete with Devan Barrett, Jatarvious Whitlow and incoming freshman signee Asa Martin for the starting tailback spot.

“It's now time for me to fulfill another dream in playing in the NFL. I'm humbled and excited for this opportunity for my family.”

Pettway, 22, and his wife, Natonya King, have a 2-year-old daughter, Kaisley.

"I'm also extremely grateful to coach Malzahn and the entire staff for giving me the opportunity to play for the blue and orange,” Pettway wrote in his Instagram message. “Thank you to the fan base for your support over the past four years."